Mini Implants Research Articles

The versatile and minimally invasive mini and narrow diameter implants: A case series

ABSTRACT The awareness and demand for implants as a treatment option have put the onus on the dentist to adapt to the patient’s requirements. Standard diameter implants cannot be placed in all situations due to limited bone volume, altered systemic status of patients, or financial constraints. Mini and narrow-diameter implants may be a reliable alternative in such circumstances. They have demonstrated good success and survival rates for the replacement of maxillary lateral incisor, mandibular anterior teeth, maxillary or mandibular posterior teeth when the occlusal load is favorable, and maxillary or mandibular overdentures. Splinting these mini implants has been shown to decrease the stresses on the bone and improve the load-bearing capacity. The three cases described here validate the usefulness of mini implants where standard diameter implants were not feasible.

Intrusion of mandibular incisors using single mini-implant –A finite element study

A deep bite is a complex orthodontic problem that is a common feature of many malocclusions. Depending on the diagnosis, a deep overbite can be corrected. Mini implants can be used for the true intrusion of anterior teeth. FEA is a computer based numerical simulation technique used to calculate deflection, stress and displacement. To analyze stress distribution pattern and displacement of mandibular incisors when intrusive forces are applied using three dimensional finite element analysis. To compare intrusion of lower anterior teeth when ‘V’ pattern force and straight vertical pattern force are applied. A three dimensional finite element model was constructed to simulate mandibular teeth, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. The displacement of individual tooth (central and lateral incisors) on three-dimensional planes and the von Mises stress distribution were compared. Intrusive forces when applied to four mandibular anterior teeth remarkable tipping of the labial segment was seen when straight vertical elastics were used as compared to the ‘V’ shaped elastics. Within the limits of this study, predictable intrusion with minimum labial tipping is seen using single implant using V pattern elastics.

Survival and stability of strategic mini-implants with immediate or delayed loading under removable partial dentures: a 3-year randomized controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesStability values of mini-implants (MIs) are ambiguous. Survival data for MIs as supplementary abutments in reduced dentitions are not available. The aim of this explorative research was to estimate the 3-year stability and survival of strategic MIs after immediate and delayed loading by existing removable partial dentures (RPDs).Material and methodsIn a university and three dental practices, patients with unfavorable tooth distributions received supplementary MIs with diameters of 1.8, 2.1, and 2.4 mm. The participants were randomly allocated to group A (if the insertion torque ≥ 35 Ncm: immediate loading by housings; otherwise, immediate loading by RPD soft relining was performed) or delayed loading group B. Periotest values (PTVs) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) values were longitudinally compared using mixed models.ResultsA total of 112 maxillary and 120 mandibular MIs were placed under 79 RPDs (31 maxillae). The 1st and 3rd quartile of the PTVs ranged between 1.7 and 7.8, and the RFA values ranged between 30 and 46 with nonrelevant group differences. The 3-year survival rates were 92% in group A versus 95% in group B and 99% in the mandible (one failure) versus 87% in the maxilla (eleven failures among four participants).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of explorative analyses, there were no relevant differences between immediate and delayed loading regarding survival or stability of strategic MIs.Clinical relevanceThe stability values for MIs are lower than for conventional implants. The MI failure rate in the maxilla is higher than in the mandible with cluster failure participants.Clinical trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS-ID: DRKS00007589, www.germanctr.de), January 15, 2015.

Modern Anchorage Systems in Orthodontics.

Anchorage has been a vital topic since the origin of orthodontics. In the orthodontic process, gentle, constant pressure is applied to the teeth that need to be moved against the other teeth, which serve as the anchoring unit. The anchoring teeth must be completely stable. The introduction of temporary anchorage devices to the orthodontic field hasmade it possible to overcome conventional anchorage and its limitations. Mini implants have widened the horizon of the orthodontic field. Skeletal anchorage has, to a large degree, replaced conventional anchorage in a situation where anchorage is considered either critical, insufficient, or likely to result in undesirable side effects such as vertical displacements generated by intermaxillary force systems. Over the last few years, anchorage control with mini-implants has acquired plenty of significance in the clinical management of orthodontic patients. The mode of anchorage facilitated by these implant systems has a unique characteristic owing to their temporary use, which results in a transient, albeit absolute anchorage. The foregoing properties, together with the recently achieved simple application of these screws, have increased their popularity, establishing them as a necessary treatment option in complex cases that would have otherwise been impossible to treat. This comprehensive review aimsto present and discuss the historical view, clinical uses, benefits, and drawbacks of the mini-screw implants used to obtain a temporary anchorage for orthodontic applications. Topics to be discussed include classification, types and properties, types of screw, head, and thread, their clinical applications, sites, and placement method selection.

Evaluation of hard and soft tissue changes after en- masse retraction using orthodontic mini-implants: An in-vivo study

Introduction: The procedures used for closing the extraction space results in the correction of proclination of incisors, reduction in overjet and elimination of extraction sites. This space closure has been achieved using different mechanics but most recently orthodontic mini-implants (TAD’s) have been used efficiently.Aim: To evaluate the skeletal, dental, soft tissue changes and amount of anchor loss in the treatment outcomes using orthodontic mini-implants.Materials and Methods: 25 subjects with Class I bimaxillary protrusion were selected from the patients visiting the department of orthodontics for seeking orthodontic treatment. In all the patients, after extraction of the 1st premolars, retraction was carried out by using mini implants in the maxillary arch. Results: Significant retraction was achieved in all the cases with minimum anchorage loss and significant improvement in patient’s profile.Conclusion: Orthodontic mini-implants have revolutionized the orthodontic world and have been an effective way of achieving desired tooth movement in an effective way.

Success rate of mini-implants based on side of insertion and type of jaw in adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment – A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: To find out success rate of mini-implants based on side of insertion and type of jaw. The aim of orthodontic treatment is to maintain sufficient anchorage control to create appropriate force systems that provide the desired treatment effects. Implants have been used as skeletal anchorage devices for orthodontic purposes. Material and Methods: The following study is a systematic review of mini-screws as an intervention to evaluate the stability and different related clinical parameters to define the success rate (outcome) depending on the side of insertion (i.e., right side and left side) and type of jaw (i.e., maxilla and mandible following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Results and Conclusion: A total of 52 articles were extracted for qualitative synthesis among which 24 articles were reviewed for meta-analysis and the results showed that the maxilla is a better placement site for insertion of mini-implant (MI) than mandible with the odds ratio of 0.58, that is, the MI placement in the maxillary region is 58% more successful than mandibular region. The other parameter showed that the insertion of MI on the right side was more successful with the odds ratio of 0.50, that is, the insertion of MI on the right side of the jaw is 50% more successful than on the left side of the jaw.

Microbial Corrosion in Orthodontics

Even with the exponential popularity of the contemporary clear aligners, the main stream of orthodontic practice still remains to be metal braces especially in adolescent age-group.1 Along with the advantages of metal braces such as lower cost, reduced friction, etc., there goes the disadvantages such as corrosion possibility, reduced esthetics, etc. Corrosion of orthodontic appliances is a widely researched topic.2-5 It is surprising to learn that microbially induced corrosion (MIC) has not been addressed in orthodontic literature till date. Microbial corrosion is an interesting arena which requires knowledge of both corrosion science and microbiology. The microorganisms capable of corrosion include various bacteria, fungi, and algae. The most common among them which has been widely indicated in MIC are the bacteria belonging to the sulfur cycle especially the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). The connecting knot with orthodontics is the reported prevalence of these SRB in the oral cavity. SRB is prevalent in healthy individuals,6,7 patients associated with periodontitis6-11 and patients with gastrointestinal issues.12-14 The prevalence of SRB in the oral cavity has a greater clinical implication since the SRB have been proven to cause corrosion of stainless steel.15-24 There is literature attributing SRB as a potential cause in periodontal diseases7-11 as well as gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and Crohn's disease.12 With its presence in the healthy oral environment already reported in the previous studies,6,7,25,26 it further emphasizes the absolute need to be researching on its corrosion possibility in the intra oral environment. The genus generally found intraorally was Desulfovibrio and Desulfobacter10 which is commonly regarded as the most "opportunistic" and ubiquitous group of sulfate reducers.6,7 There is an interesting literature on the inhibition of Desulfovibrio spp. by human saliva, the reason being quoted as salivary nitrate and nitrite.14 The mechanism behind the antimicrobial action of nitrate and nitrite is that they increase the oxidative stress on the bacteria.27 However, concentrations of salivary nitrate vary depending on the food intake, endogenous production, and salivary flow rate.28,29 Despite there exist natural inhibitors, the prevalence in oral cavity is high, 22% in healthy and 86% in patients associated with periodontitis.7 There is a predilection for the bacteria to grow when favorable conditions exist. Biofilms is one such favorable medium for the growth of SRB. Paster et al.26 identified SRB in biofilms of patients associated with refractory periodontitis, periodontitis, acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), and also in healthy subjects. Biofilm is a surface film composed of organic and inorganic saliva components that are colonized with microorganisms in extracellular polymeric substances adsorbed on all surfaces in the oral cavity.30 The oral biofilm formation is a complex process involving interspecies aggregation, which is surrounded by a cohesive matrix, forms a complex structure which in turn facilitates anaerobic growth. It is the intrinsic nature of oral biofilms which make the survival of facultative anaerobes such as SRB in the oral cavity possible. Literatures31-35 report that there are increased biofilm formations in orthodontic patients due to increased retentive areas caused by the brackets, ligatures, wires, mini implants, force components, and archwires. Bacteria in dental plaque function as a metabolically, functionally, and physically integrated community.36 The study by Mystkowska et al.37 mentioned that biofilm per se play a critical role in corrosion process by forming corrosive microcells. With time-dependent association, the microbes in the biofilm, along with saliva acting as an electrolyte and components from food, causes a decreased pH in the areas immediately under the biofilms. The decreased pH along with a change of oxygenation releases metal oxides and hydroxides from the metal surface ultimately leading to the corrosion of metallic structures.37-41 The initial roughness also acts in a vicious form promoting more biofilm adherence and the process repeats causing more corrosion. With the biofilm itself serving to initiate and propagate corrosion, the increased prevalence of SRB in patients associated with orthodontics treatment all the more increases the possibility of MIC of orthodontic materials.

Intrusion of overerupted periodontally compromised posterior teeth using orthodontic mini implants: A mechanobiological finite element study.

The intrusion of posterior teeth had been considered challenging up to the development of orthodontic mini implants. In periodontally compromised teeth, the challenge is even greater, because of the root resorption risk due to periodontal ligament over-compression. Still, the precise strategy to determine the force reduction level remains uncertain. The objective of the study was to determine, by a finite element analysis (FEA), the force reduction needed to avoid root resorption and maintain the efficiency of orthodontic mechanics of periodontally compromised teeth similar to the sound one. An anatomical model was constructed representing a premolar inserted into a maxillary bone. Based on the initial model (R0), three bone height loss conditions were simulated (R2=2 mm, R4=4 mm, and R6=6 mm). Two intrusive movements were simulated: pure intrusion (bilateral mini implant) and uncontrolled-tipping intrusion (buccal mini implant). The hydrostatic stress at the periodontal ligament was used to evaluate the risk of root resorption due to over-compression. For bilateral mini implant intrusion, the force had to be decreased by 16%, 32% and 48% for R2, R4 and R6, respectively. For buccal mini implant intrusion, the required reductions were higher (20%, 36% and 56%). A linear relationship between the intrusive force reduction and the alveolar bone height loss was observed in both intrusion mechanics. According to the FE results, 8% or 9.3% of force reduction for each millimetre of bone height loss is suggested for intrusion with bilateral or buccal mini implant, respectively. The buccal mini implant anchorage must be associated with a supplemental strategy to avoid buccal crown tipping.

Dentofacial asymmetry: non-surgical orthodontic treatment using extra-alveolar miniscrews

Asymmetric malocclusions have been always a challenge to orthodontists, with different dental, skeletal or dentoskeletal factors being probable causes for the condition. It is key to distinguish between dental and skeletal asymmetry before determining a predictable force system for corrective treatment. The use of mini-implants (MIs) to address anchorage needs in modern orthodontic practice has become an important tool for orthodontists. They have been widely used for anchorage reinforcement purposes and placed in the dentoalveolar region, especially between tooth roots (inter-radicular miniscrews). However, placement sites other than root areas allow more versatility of orthodontic movement since tooth roots do not interfere in tooth displacement, such as the extra-alveolar miniscrews.Objective The objective of the present paper is to present biomechanical concepts in which extra-alveolar mini-implants are placed in the infrazygomatic crest (IZC) and buccal shelf (BS) areas for correction of dento-facial asymmetries allowing predictable outcomes to be achieved with minimal need for patient's compliance and minor mechanic side effects.

Evaluation of reused orthodontic mini-implants on stability: An in-vivo study

During treatment, some patients may need to change the location of mini-implants (MIs). This study investigated the stability of MIs relocated to another position in the same patient using the periotest and torque device. Twenty-nine MIs were applied randomly to 1 side of the maxillary region, and torque and periotest values were recorded. The patients were followed-up at 4-week intervals, and periotest measurements were performed at each session. After recording the torque and periotest values in the fourth session, the MIs were removed. After applying the appropriate sterilization procedure, the same MIs were relocated to the contralateral side of the patients' jaw, and distalization was achieved using a similar procedure for the group of as-received MIs. Negative correlations were obtained between the torque meter and periotest data for both MI groups. We observed no significant effect of the MI group on periotest measurements (P>0.05). The effect of the MI group on torque values and the interaction effect of the MI group and torque values were not statistically significant (P>0.05). It is possible to achieve similar stability values with as-received and retrieved MIs when appropriate cleaning and sterilization protocols are performed.

Risk factors and diagnosis of iatrogenic damage of periodontal structures and roots during orthodontic Mini-Implants implantation procedures - a systematic literature review

Introduction and purpose
 In recent years, Mini-Implants (MI) have gained popularity and new complications have emerged with them. The article assesses the current reports on the scale of the problem, factors and diagnostic possibilities related to iatrogenic injuries of periodontal tissues and roots.
 
 Description of the state of knowledge
 The incidence of complications was estimated to be 13.5%. Complications are more common in the mandible and are estimated at 20-27.1%. Periodontal and root damage are an important risk factor for treatment failure. The fact that the implant does not interfere with the alveolus structure gives the treatment effectiveness in 90%, and the contact with the alveolar “lamina dura” is 62.5%. Interference with the root structure is successful in only 31.2%.
 Risk factors for failure include: young age, poor hygiene, smoking, area of mandibular molars, contact with the root, thickness of the bone and lack of experience. The implant between the roots is a risk of root trauma, as the location close to the tooth cemento-enamel junction, no preparation for surgery, not using surgical templates, strenuous implantation or implant migration under the influence of orthodontic forces. Radiographs are the gold standard in the diagnosis of complications, but they do not allow for a full assessment of the three-dimensional structures of the implant. A promising method is the evaluation of the torque as the implant is placed in its final location. The patient's subjective feelings are questionable in diagnosis and require further research.
 Summary
 There are many complications in using MI and the most important of these is damage to the structures of the periodontium and the tooth root. Despite the low failure rate, failure should be prevented by pre-operative evaluation, in-operative monitoring, and post-operative diagnostics.

Mini implant ‘Safe Zones’ in orthodontics: A comprehensive review

In prosthetic dentistry the quality of life of patients with tooth loss have been significantly enhanced with the use of dental implants likewise in Orthodontics mini implants has been instrumental in expanding the envelope of treatment possibility. The incorporation of mini implants into orthodontic treatment planning has allowed for predictable anchorage control and has increased the ability to correct severe skeletal and dental discrepancies. Despite the great interest in anchorage control with Mini Implants, the safe implantation of the mini implant in different regions is of major concern. Thus learning about the anatomy and safe zones for placing Mini Implants are of paramount importance.

Non-Destructive Removal of Dental Implant by Using the Cryogenic Method.

Background and Objectives: The gold standard for a successful prosthetic approach is the osseointegration of an implant. However, this integration can be a problem in cases where the implant needs to be removed. Removing the implant with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues is important. Osteocytes cannot survive below −2 °C, but epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and other surrounding tissue cells can. Remodeling can be triggered by cryotherapy at temperatures that specifically affect osteocyte necrosis. In this study, we aimed to develop a method for reversing the osseointegration mechanism and for protecting the surrounding tissues by bone remodeling induced by CO2 cryotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this study, eight 2.8 mm diameter, one-piece mini implants were used in New Zealand rabbit tibias. Two control and six implants were tested in this study. After 2 months of osseointegration, a reverse torque force method was used to remove all osseointegrated implants at 5, 10, 20, and 30 Ncm. The osseointegration of the implants was proven by periotest measurements. Changes in bone tissue were examined in histological sections stained with toluidine blue after rabbit sacrifice. The number of lacunae with osteocyte, empty lacunae, and lacunae greater than 5 µm and the osteon number in a 10,000 µm2 area were calculated. Cryotherapy was applied to the test implants for 1 min, 2 min, and 5 min. Three implants were subjected to cryotherapy at −40 °C, and the other implants were subjected to cryotherapy at −80 °C. Results: Empty lacunae, filled osteocytes, lacunae >5 µm, and the osteon count around the implant applied at −40 °C were not significantly different from the control implants. The application of −40 °C for 1 min was found to cause minimal damage to the bone cells. The implants, which were applied for 1 min and 2 min, were successfully explanted on the 2nd day with the 5 Ncm reverse torque method. Test implants, which were applied cold for 5 min, were explanted on day 1. Tissue damage was detected in all test groups at −80 °C. Conclusions: The method of removing implants with cryotherapy was found to be successful in −40 °C freeze–thaw cycles applied three times for 1 min. To prove implant removal with cryotherapy, more implant trials should be conducted.

Stress evaluation during simultaneous intrusion and retraction of maxillary anteriors with mini-implants: A finite element analysis

Space closure is one of the most challenging process in orthodontics and require a comprehension of biomechanics in order to avoid undesirable side effects. The versatility of Mini implants has increased its demand in respect of anchorage, minimizing reciprocal effects and reducing overall treatment duration. Bi-alveolar dental protrusion is one of the common malocclusion encountered by orthodontist and the most common treatment modality includes extraction of 4 first premolars followed by intrusion and retraction of maxillary anteriors to obtain ideal dental and soft tissue profile.Force application for longer duration can lead to orthodontic induced root resorption.Thus it is utmost important to study the amount of stress produced and pattern of stress distribution in PDL after force application. Thus with the help of FEM model stress evaluation was done during simultaneous intrusion and retraction of maxillary anteriors with the help of implants.

Influence on Implant Bone Healing of a Collagen Membrane Placed Subjacent the Sinus Mucosa-A Randomized Clinical Trial on Sinus Floor Elevation.

Background: Perforation of the sinus mucosa is quite a frequent complication that might occur during sinus floor elevation. The perforation is often protected with a collagen membrane to avoid the extrusion of graft particles within the sinus. However, this procedure might hinder the innate osteogenic potential of the sinus mucosa. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a placement of a collagen membrane subjacent the Schneiderian membrane during sinus floor elevation on implant bone healing. Methods: Twenty volunteers took part in the trial. Ten were randomly included in the group that received a collagen membrane subjacent the sinus mucosa (Mb group), and ten did not receive the membrane (non-Mb group). A collagenated corticocancellous porcine bone was used to fill the elevated space. Six 6 months after the sinus floor elevation, a mini implant was placed transcrestally and retrieved after a further 3 months. Histological analyses were then performed on the full body of the mini implant as well as on its coronal and apical portions. Results: The new bone apposition proportion onto the implant surface was similar in the Mb and non-Mb groups, both in the apical and coronal portions of the mini implants. A lesser amount of graft was found in contact with the surface. New bone density around the mini implants were similar both in the apical and coronal portions. However, a statistically higher proportion of graft particles was found in the Mb group compared to the non-membrane group. Conclusions: The placement of a collagen membrane subjacent the sinus mucosa did not affect bone healing at implants and bone density.

Effect of different angulation of forces on mini implant and abutment at various levels

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of varying loads of forces at different angulation at various levels of orthodontic mini implant system by using finite element analysis. A 3-dimensional model of the mini implant was constructed to simulate force magnitudes and directions, screw diameters and lengths, and implanted depths of mini implants. Finite element study was conducted with horizontal forces of 100, 150, and 200 g were applied to the mini implant and abutment at angulations 90° and 120. Von Mises stress, strain and displacement values were then evaluated using the ANSYS software. Both stress and displacement increased with increasing the amount of loading force. These 2 indexes were linearly proportional to the force magnitude and produced the highest values when the force was 200 g applied at 120° to the long axis of the miniimplant. The peak deformation and von Mises stress was concentrated on the miniscrew at the cervical level under 200 g at 120°. A wider screw diameter provided superior mechanical advantages. No remarkable differences in the strain distribution were observed at both angulations. However, the stress distribution of the abutment models showed a remarkable difference as compared with the models of mini implant. The high-level area (shown in orange) was localized to the head of the implant and the abutment (cervical part). Compared with 90° group, the orange coloured area was easily observed more in the cervical part of abutment. The von Mises stress values in the MI, were found to be lowest under 100 g force at 90°. Higher initial loading on the mini implant should be avoided and horizontal force on the cervical level of MI should be prevented or minimized for better stability. The abutment has maximum stress concentration which is significantly useful in decreasing the stress concentration on the bone, and has a buffering action on MI. Force range used is within clinically recommended levels; however, the increase in load causes a proportional increase in the stress values.

Simulation of the clinical procedure by digital intraoral palpation of the greatest prominence of the Infrazygomatic crest for mini-implants insertion

The objective of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to simulate using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in adults, the clinical procedure performed by intraoral digital palpation of the greatest prominence (GP) of the Infrazygomatic crest (IZC) for mini-implants (MIs) insertion. CBCT images of 34 adults (14 men, 20 women), aged 18.0 to 57.7 years (mean, 32.2 years) were selected. On 3D reconstruction, the GP of the IZC region was determined using the anatomical morphology, and its anteroposterior position on the selected axial slice was evaluated relative to the dental reference located between the maxillary first and second molars (U6–U7). On the selected coronal slice, two reference lines were established to evaluate the insertion angle and insertion depth (IZC thickness) for MIs. The same procedure was performed on slices with intervals of 1 mm mesially as well as distally up to reach 4 mm. The right and left sides were measured. In relation to U6-U7, the GP of the IZC was 0.19 mm (±1.79) mesial on the right side and 0.29 mm (±1.65) mesial on the left side. The greatest bone thickness of the IZC was 4.95 mm (±2.39) on the right side, 3.81 mm distal from U6-U7, and 4.79 mm (±2.13) on the left side, 3.71 mm distal from U6-U7. The GP-IZC determined visually on the 3D reconstruction, did not present the greatest bone thickness. The bone tended to gradually become thicker distal to the GP-IZC and the dental reference U6-U7.

Orthodontic mini implant and their primary stability: A comparative study

Background: Mini implants has been widely used now a days as anchorage for achieving best orthodontic outcome. Good primary stability of mini implants is key for their success. Two type of mini implant (one single threaded and other double threaded) were used for this study, insertion torque and removal torque was evaluated.Material and Method: 40 patients were selected and two equal (n=20) groups were formed. In first group (group1) single threaded mini implants were used, in second group (group 2) double threaded mini implants were used. Maximum insertion torque (m.i.t) and removal torque (m.r.t) were recorded for two groups. Statistical analysis was done.Results: Torque was compared in both group. Max. Insertion torque (mit) was found higher than max. Removal torque (mrt) for both the groups and between the groups. Higher values for m.i.t than m.r.t was found in intergroup comparison.Conclusion: Mini screws are effective for temporary anchorage device. Double threaded mini implants has more insertion and removal torque, so they have better primary stability.

SIMULTANEOUS RETRACTION AND INTRUSION OF MAXILLARY ANTERIOR TEETH: A REVIEW

Simultaneous retraction and intrusion of anterior segment are required in the patients who have deep overbite along with ared incisors. During the retraction of anterior segment, there is some bite deepening, which also requires intrusion. So there are various conventional methods which are used from many last years to achieve simultaneous retraction and intrusion, but these methods require patient compliance and have some undesirable side effects like anchorage loss. With the advent in technology, Orthodontic mini-implants (OMI) broaden the scope of orthodontic therapy by allowing treatment to proceed with little or no anchoring loss and require less patient participation than traditional procedures. Mini implants can be used to offer good anchorage for anterior tooth retraction and intrusion, and they can be inserted in almost any desirable site. There are various conventional methods as well as mini implant supported methods with which simultaneous retraction and intrusion can be achieved. This review article presents the various methods for achieving simultaneous retraction and intrusion of anterior segment either with conventional techniques or with the help of mini implants.

One-piece implant-supported overdenture in fully edentulous patients: Report of two cases

Dental implants with a reduced diameter can be placed in regions that lack adequate bone volume enabling functional and aesthetic oral rehabilitation without the complicated bone augmentation procedures.This article describes surgical and prosthetic procedures used in oral rehabilitation using Straumann ® one-piece Mini Implants (2.4-mm diameter with Optiloc ® prosthetic connection system) in two fully edentulous women aged 57 and 74. Both patients presented with severe ridge resorption. Ten one-piece mini dental implants (six on maxillary arch and four on mandibular arch) were placed in each patient to support new complete overdentures. Both patients were delighted with the results and regained their social lives. In addition, stabilized dentures allowed the patients to regain fundamental functions of the mouth: chewing and verbal (speech) and non-verbal (smiling) communication without the fear or difficulty experienced while wearing dentures that can move.In conclusion, mini implants offer an efficient, economical, and less invasive solution, especially for edentulous patients with atrophic bone structure or who cannot undergo complex surgical procedures.